Ban On `Cruising' Asked In Gang War

This means that police will be arresting motorists who drive by a designated problem area more than two times from any direction within a two-hour period. The law will be enforced daily between the hours of 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. As presented in the first reading of the ordinance, it is intended to provide police with the real "teeth" needed to fight illegal gang activity. Formal adoption is expected early next month, once all the details have been included.

Although the penalties for violators have not yet been determined, Tinley Park Police Chief James Wade said he personally discussed the seriousness of the matter with Cook County Circuit Judge Sheila Murphy in Markham.

The proposed ordinance is the result of a yearlong debate between village officials and an arcade owner, Marc Kahan, whose plans to expand his business in Brementowne Mall by 60 percent to 3,700 square feet from 2,400 square feet prompted extensive review of unwanted gang activity.

With the cruising ordinance in place, trustees voted 4-1 in favor of the special-use permit that will give the arcade owner authorization to expand his business. However, trustees also demanded that Kahan install a glass wall to allow greater visibility into the arcade from inside the mall itself.

Additional weekend security personnel are required as well. Kahan agreed to the restrictions.